Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)
Poem by Hitotose, from the series One Hundred Aspects of the Moon (Tsuki hyakushi), 1887
Woodblock print
Signed: 'Yoshitoshi'
Artist's seal: 'Taiso'
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon
Dated: Meiji 20, 6th month, 23rd day (23rd June 1887)
Signed: 'Yoshitoshi'
Artist's seal: 'Taiso'
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon
Dated: Meiji 20, 6th month, 23rd day (23rd June 1887)
Vertical oban:
37.1 x 25.2 cm. (14 ⅝ x 9 ⅞ in.)
37.1 x 25.2 cm. (14 ⅝ x 9 ⅞ in.)
£ 2,800.00
The young woman depicted here is a tsujigimi ('mistress of the street corner'); the lowest class of prostitute who had to roam the streets looking for trade. Tsujigimi were usually...
The young woman depicted here is a tsujigimi ('mistress of the street corner'); the lowest class of prostitute who had to roam the streets looking for trade. Tsujigimi were usually older women who would wear heavy white make-up to make themselves appear younger, who would also wear black kimono, cover their heads with tenugui (hand cloths) and carry a straw mat ready to be rolled-out when required. However, although the woman in the present print is dressed as a typical tsujigimi, Yoshitoshi depicts the woman as young and beautiful. The poem in the square cartouche has been translated as:
'Like reflections in the rice-paddies, the faces of streetwalkers in the darkness, are exposed by the autumn moonlight'.
Another impression of the same print is in the collection of The British Museum, museum no. 1906,1220,0.1447, go to:
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_1906-1220-0-1447
'Like reflections in the rice-paddies, the faces of streetwalkers in the darkness, are exposed by the autumn moonlight'.
Another impression of the same print is in the collection of The British Museum, museum no. 1906,1220,0.1447, go to:
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_1906-1220-0-1447